[kipperfan]

I wouldn't have had a huge issue with Sven being sat, if the other underperformers (I don't think Sven has underperformed, but clearly Hartley does...) were also sat in due course. But that clearly isn't happening. Just like the last coaching regime, Hartley clearly has his favourites (Glencross, Butler, Jackman, etc.) and those guys can basically play as poorly as they want and the only consequence is getting even more icetime next game.

Sitting down a young kid like Sven for a game is not a big deal at all in the long run IMO; but it does show, rather clearly, that there is no meritocracy being practised on this team. How many more games in a row does Glencross have to mail it in before he gets his chance to sit out a game? How many more goals does Butler have to cause before they give Smith a chance? How many more times does Jackman have to fall over or get **it kicked before they put him out to pasture?